diaphragm

Pronunciation: dī′ă-fram

Definition:

1. The musculomembranous partition between the abdominal and thoracic cavities.
2. A thin disc pierced with an opening, used in a microscope, camera, or other optic instrument to shut out the marginal rays of light, thus giving a more direct illumination.
3. A flexible ring covered with a domed sheet of elastic material used in the vagina to prevent pregnancy.
4. In radiography, a grid (2) or a lead sheet with an aperture.

See: collimator

Synonym(s): diaphragma2, interseptum, midriff, phren1

[G. diaphragma]

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